November 5, 2013

In This Issue

Attention Kroger Shoppers! It's time to re-enroll so that you can raise money for GSCM
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The Good Shepherd Catholic Montessori is dedicated to providing an outstanding education to children ages three to fourteen in a Catholic atmosphere faithful to the Magesterium of the Church. Using the philosophy and techniques of the Montessori approach, including religious education through the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd, our goal is to enable each child to develop as a well-integrated human being: spiritually, intellectually, socially, physically, and emotionally

I love the Lord always and I shall not stop!!!!!

You shall want only the Lord that only wants us.

Love the Lord as you love yourself

and there will be enjoyment.

Atrium Prayers by 7-Year Old

Upcoming Dates

Thurs., Nov. 7 Parent-Child Evening, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Fri. Nov. 8 Oratory Festival Finale, 1:30 p.m.

Fri. Nov. 8 End of First Trimester

Mon., Nov. 11 NO SCHOOL, Teacher Records Day

Fri., Nov. 15 Progress Reports (Elementary/MS) go home

Nov. 18-22 Parent-Teacher Conference Week

Fri., Nov. 22 NO SCHOOL, Conference Make-Up Day

"We the People" Oratory Festival Finale

Friday, November 8, 1:20-2:45 p.m.

Please join us this Friday, November 8, for our Oratory Festival Finale. This week, each classroom will select representatives who will deliver their speeches to the school community at the Finale.

Our guest of honor will be Mother Seraphina, mother superior of the Franciscan Daughters of Mary. Mother Seraphina and the sisters have created a thriving pro-life ministry serving the poor and expectant mothers in Covington. The Rose Garden Mission offers medical services, pregnancy services and support, baby items, food, clothing, and other services and products. Our students frequently do service work at the Rose Garden.

Mother Seraphina will address our students as a person who has embodied the contributions that an individual can make to a free society. Then, she will confer a medal of distinction on each student who delivers his or her address at our Finale. Every so often, we will all heartily sing out a patriotic hymn!

Please join us for a very enjoyable afternoon, celebrating the young public speakers at our school, celebrating a nation that honors free speech, and celebrating famous and not-so-famous people who have graced our country with their life and work.

Parent-Child Evening (For Pre-Primary and Elementary Children and Parents)

Thurs., Nov. 7, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Pre-primary and elementary parents are invited to spend an evening in the classroom with their child during our upcoming Parent-Child Evenings. One of the most relaxing and enjoyable parent education opportunities, this is an evening for listening to your child and exploring the fascinating Montessori environment together. Please come and experience the interest and joy of your child's learning in the Montessori classroom.

Although our teachers will be on hand, the focus is on parent-child interactions and the evening is not intended as a time to conference with teachers.

Program News

Parent-Teacher Conference Sign-Ups

All parents should sign up for a fall parent-teacher conference. To sign up, Click Here

Leaders with Integrity: Announcing GSCM Student Government!

A Hands-On Exercise in Citizenship for all GSCM Students

By Joan Ratajczak, Middle School Humanities Teacher

GSCM is proud to announce the results of the recent Student Government election.

President: Julia Lotterer
Vice-President: Nicodemus Kaufman
Treasurer: Macaira Pucci
Secretary: Ann Rieke
8th Grade Senator: Luke Junker
7th Grade Senator: Nick Widmeyer

Upper and Lower Elementary Appointees:

Our Lady of Guadalupe: Bess Lindeman, Na'Kyia Matthews,Alayna Olszewski and Ben Sabo
Our Lady of Fatima: Eloise Young and Nick Bucksath
Our Lady of Lourdes: Elena Paulin and Mariana Richard

What a wonderful opportunity to practice the real-life privilege and responsibility of choosing our leaders. In his "I have a Dream" speech Martin Luther King said that he had a dream that one day his children will be judged on the content of their character rather than on the color of their skin. One of the goals of the GSCM election was to focus on the integrity of the candidates. To foster this, campaign speeches were aimed at the character of the candidates and their ability to act as servant leaders.

In addition, the election offered a chance to learn about citizenship. Secretary Ann Rieke stepped forward to run for office when she saw the need for someone to serve in that role. The Middle School discussed the right to privacy about one's vote that should be honored even at this level. At the elementary school level, in order to enhance the experience of voting, some classes set up an actual voting station resembling a voting booth.

As members of the GSCM community we are all encouraged to pray for our leaders here and in the world beyond our doors. The 2013-2014 GSCM Student Government looks forward to serving their school with integrity.

All Saints' Day: Enjoying Our Namesakes in Heaven!

Special thanks to our liturgy coordinator, Mary Hamiter, for preparing a special litany of the saints for All Saints' Day. Our entire school gathered outdoors before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament as Fr. Ruffino led us in a Eucharistic Procession.

Mrs. Hamiter led us in chanting a litany of the saints that was specific to our students' names. She had taken the time to list all of the patron saints for whom our students are named. The children's facial expressions upon hearing the names of their own and their friends' names were delightful!

Montessori Moments

Creating a Beautiful Place for God

By Lindsey Schmitt, Pre-Primary Directress

As I caught a glimpse of a three-year old child carefully placing a vase of fresh flowers on our classroom prayer table during work time, I was struck by the simple beauty of the moment. This moment, which I may take for granted as a normal part of my daily observations as a Montessori directress, can only occur in a Catholic Montessori environment. What makes this moment so uniquely part of our school community?

Flower arranging is part of the Practical Life curriculum in every Montessori pre-primary classroom. This activity consists of roughly twenty sequential steps in preparing a beautiful arrangement of flowers. The final step of this work is when the child chooses a special place to display their arrangement in the classroom.

The prayer table is an integral part of the Catechesis program. From the age of three, children are introduced to the prayer table and the Bible. They are also familiarized with the liturgical colors, which are always adorning the table with a decorative cloth. They enjoy placing various statues and prayer cards on the prayer table. In our classrooms, we invite children to individual prayer, small group prayer, and large group prayer. It is their choice to participate and their choice to help decorate the prayer table during their work time.

The beauty of the moment was not just the lovely flower arrangement, which consisted of calla lilies and roses. Nor was it the crucifix placed on the prayer table with the prayer card reading, "Amen." It was the combination of empowering the children to care for their environment in a meaningful way and creating a space, full of true beauty, to commune with God. It was a moment to step back and feel gratitude - as a teacher and a parent - to share in a genuine community of faith.

Office News

Part-Time Assistant Development Director Position

The Good Shepherd Catholic Montessori is hiring a part-time assistant for the Development Office. This individual will work directly with the Development Director and be primarily responsible for data entry and other office related work, including mailings, school fundraising support, alumni outreach, and assistance with special events.

The ideal candidate will possess the following skills and experience:

· Computer skills and familiarity with Microsoft Word and Excel.

· Aptitude to learn and work with school Database (Achieve) and fundraising program (Greater Giving).

· Qualities: good communication skills; attention to detail; conscientious; efficient; organized; ability to maintain confidentiality

· Design experience and knowledge of GSCM a plus

For more information or to apply, please contact Jana Widmeyer: jwidmeyer@gscmontessori.org or 271-0205.

Reminder of Illness Policy

Now that cold, flu, and strep throat season is upon us, this is just a reminder of what is in our school handbook regarding illness and when NOT to send you child to school. "Please do not send your child to school on days when any of the following symptoms are present: rash (other than localized diaper rash); deep or persistent cough; discharge or discolored or profuse amount of mucous from nose; diarrhea; vomiting; sore throat; symptoms of conjunctivitis (pinkeye). A child who has been ill should not return to school until he/she has been free of fever without aspirin, Tylenol, etc., for at least 24 hours."

We hope, that with your help in following this policy, we will reduce the number of illnesses. Thank you.

Jam / Jelly Collection November 14th

Our next collection for Inter Parish Ministry's food choice pantry will be Thursday, November 14th. We're collecting jars of jam or jelly this month because it's the most critically needed item at the present time. However, other food items are always welcome too.

Please remember this when shopping for groceries this weekend.

An Invitation

We are called by Jesus to visit our neighbors and shut-ins. During the holidays the regular visitations at Sem Haven Assisted Living Center significantly decreases. Please join Luke and Lori Richard in bringing joy to the residents tomorrow, Wednesday, November 6 at 1:00. Sem Haven is located at 225 Cleveland Ave Milford, OH.

Sem Haven is an assisted living center and is not your typical nursing home. It looks, feels, and smells like a real home. Please contact Lori Richard at 608-0194 or Lmrichard35@gmail.com if you have any questions.

Thanksgiving Dinner at St. Margaret/St. John Parish

The members of St. Margaret/St. John Parish would like to invite you and your families to a delicious turkey dinner on Sunday, November 10^th. The dinner will be held at St. Margaret of Cortona Church, 6000 Murray Rd. 45227. It will run from 1:00 - 7:00 p.m. Everything from the entrée to the dessert is included for the low price of $9.00 for adults and $5.00 for children. If you have any questions please call Maryann or John Heitker at 271-6808

Lands End Sale

November 4-12 Lands End is having a Friends and Family Sale . 30% off everything online and in store and free shipping on orders over $50. Our school code is 900041674 and the logo is 1192492k if you decide to order.

The Walkathon's success also is dependent on the generosity of our sponsors, many of whom are from our school families. Thank you to Monica Blackburn for spearheading the drive for corporate sponsorships. We are pleased to list our sponsors:

PREMIERE SPONSOR